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Dobutamine

Dobutrex

Calculate dosage
Sourced from primary literature. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Cardiovascular

Routes

IV

Indications

Acute heart failurecardiogenic shock

Mechanism of Action

Selective beta-1 adrenergic agonist increasing cardiac contractility (positive inotrope) with less effect on heart rate than dopamine.

Side effects & warnings

IV CRI only — short half-life. Tachyarrhythmias at high doses. Cats are very sensitive — use lower doses. Monitor ECG and blood pressure continuously.

Species with Dobutamine dosing data (3 dose rules)

Cat (Domestic)Dog (Domestic)Rabbit (Domestic)

Evidence levels across 3 dose rules

Strong×1Moderate×1Weak×1

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 2 published primary sources

  • · Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed
  • · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Constant rate infusion (CRI)

Dobutamine CRI dose rules from the ExoticRx formulary. Verify against current literature before clinical use; CRI rates differ from bolus dosing and route, dilution, and monitoring matter. Sign in for the complete per-species CRI protocol set.

  • Dog (Domestic)IV
    2–15 mcg/kg/minCRI

    Acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock

    StrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
  • Cat (Domestic)IV
    1–5 mcg/kg/minCRI

    Acute heart failure

    ModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Sample dosing (2 of 3 cited rules)

Free-tier preview — dog and cat dosing. Pro and Student unlock all 3 species including reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine.

SpeciesRouteDoseFrequencyEvidenceSource
Dog (Domestic)IV2–15 mcg/kg/minCRIStrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Cat (Domestic)IV1–5 mcg/kg/minCRIModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

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